Responsible Travel

What We Do

We at TCS are driven by the transformative power of travel. At the same time, we recognize the impact of travel on the environment and on local populations.  Our mission—to enrich lives through travel—applies not only to our guests, but also to the people and places we visit. As a company, our responsible travel efforts are focused on both reducing our carbon footprint and having a positive impact on communities.

We are committed to monitoring and reporting on these projects, and will be updating this page annually on the progress of these efforts.

Environmental Projects

We recognize the urgent nature of the climate crisis and that aspects of tourism are currently too carbon intensive. Together with our suppliers and partners, we commit to playing our part in de-carbonizing the sector in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) global goals. 

Taking Climate Action by Supporting Healthy Oceans

As part of our commitment to climate and nature action, we’ve joined our sister companies across the Travelopia Group* to partner with Blue Marine Foundation. 

Our objective is to help conserve the stunning coastlines and marine life that enrich your travel experiences and restore ocean ecosystems that are vital in tackling climate change. Together with our sister travel companies, we are supporting the conservation and restoration of thousands of hectares of vital marine ecosystems through projects across the globe. These protected “blue carbon ecosystems” have the potential to remove and store thousands of tons of carbon every year. They also help protect a rich diversity of coastal and underwater wildlife, including endangered species. Our support also enables the training and employment of local communities in marine conservation, helping ensure these beautiful places are preserved for generations.

Impact to Date

• Indonesia: 12 hectares of abandoned ponds were ecologically restored with the active participation of 64 community members, including women and priority groups. Seedling planting success exceeded targets, and the project also launched sustainable livelihoods in beekeeping and goat farming, and established a local foundation to ensure benefits remain within the community.

• Philippines: 6.9 hectares of mangrove habitat was restored, with over 17,000 seedlings planted and a thriving community nursery established. Wildlife surveys recorded more than 1,700 macroinvertebrates and 20 bird species, including the vulnerable Philippine Duck. Training and toolkits have empowered 22 local people, and sustainable fishery initiatives are underway.

• The Maldives: The #SeagrassIndustryLeaders Circle was launched, bringing together 17 leading resorts who pledged to protect at least 80% of their seagrass meadows—securing protection for over 100 hectares. The initiative has catalysed national policy development and widespread industry engagement.

• Greece: A proposal has been submitted to expand the Limnos Natura 2000 site, Greece’s largest seagrass bed of over 18,000 hectares, building on and bringing together multiple collaborative partnerships. Two years of mapping and engagement with local fishers, combined with new blue carbon data, are strengthening the case for long-term protection.

• Dutch Caribbean: 1,500 mangrove trees were planted in Bonaire, with and water flow improved through channel restoration. Data-driven monitoring and community events have built local stewardship and conservation awareness with 70 local volunteers and participants getting involved.

• Formentera: Over 53,000 Posidonia seagrass shoots were planted across 250 m², with 90% rooting success after six months. The project has pioneered restoration techniques, launched a high-profile marine conservation campaign, and built a coalition of local and international partners.

• Kenya: 13,000 native mangrove seedlings have been planted across 1.3 hectares. 30 community groups and 25 youth group members have been engaged, and joint patrols with local authorities have reduced illegal harvesting and supported biodiversity monitoring.

In addition, we are measuring and tracking carbon emissions for employee travel with the goal of both reducing emissions and improving our responsible operational standards. 

TCS World Travel is a member of the Travelopia group of travel companies which has come together to partner with Blue Marine Foundation.

Philanthropy Projects

Over the past 23 years, TCS World Travel has contributed more than $4 million to the Vayu Global Health Foundation (formerly Ujenzi Charitable Trust) to support the development and adoption of accessible health solutions for the poor and vulnerable across more than 40 countries. Vayu recognizes the impact women have on the health of their families and communities and invests in maternal and child health projects that lead to healthier pregnancies, healthier babies and healthier, more resilient communities.

We also support the work of Gorilla Doctors, a group dedicated to conserving wild mountain and eastern lowland gorillas through life-saving, hands-on veterinary medicine in the wild, as well as through providing healthcare to the surrounding communities. Gorilla Doctors recognize that the health of the gorillas is inextricably linked to that of the entire ecosystem. As such, they not only care for the gorillas in the field, but also further protect them by supporting health programs for people living and working in and around gorilla habitat.

Annual Employee Volunteer Days

TCS World Travel sponsors two employee volunteer days per year where our staff leaves the office to work on projects that impact our immediate Seattle area. One day has a focus on community building through projects like sorting items at a local food bank, hosting a group activity with a local women’s and children’s organization, and cooking meals for families caring for sick children. The other has a focus on projects like beach cleanup or salmon habitat restoration.